Showing 696 results for Type of Study: Research
Mohammad Javad Zoqi, Mohammad Amin Rasooli, Behnoosh Khataei, Mohammad Reza Doosti,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Mining is one of the important economic activities all over the world. It causes the release of various emissions, especially heavy metals in the soil, due to the weak exploitation and improper disposal of mineral wastes. Different techniques are used for soil remediation and heavy metal extraction; including the electrokinetic method (so effective in fine-grained soils). In this research, the electrokinetic process was used to extract copper from the waste of the mine in Birjand.
Materials and Methods: In this research, a 24 cm long PVC reactor was used. The retention time was 2, 4, and 6 days and the voltage gradient was 1 V/cm. Graphite electrodes and electrolyte solutions of nitric acid and citric acid were investigated for copper extraction. The electrode polarity was alternately changed in order to pH control and improve the extraction process.
Results: According to the results, the highest removal efficiency (54%) was obtained after 6 days using 0.1 M citric acid and distilled water in the anode and cathode reservoir, respectively. Further, by 24-hour polarity reversing, the copper removal efficiency increased to about 60%.
Conclusion: The use of citric acid in anode was more effective than nitric acid, leading to more copper removal. In addition, by periodically polarity change and keeping the soil pH in the neutral range, further dissolution of the metal and reducing its sedimentation in the soil occurred. As a result, the rate of its transfer outside the treatment area and removal efficiency increased.
Javad Torkaman, Mehrdad Ghodskhah Daryaei, Shahrooz Sahranavard,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Climate change and environmental pollutants affect the growth of plant species. These effects can be recognized in the tree growth rings. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the precipitation and temperature in four decades (1975-2015) and air pollutants in the last decade on the average growth of pine trees (Pinus eldarica).
Materials and Methods: The studied area is Chitgar Forest Park located in the northwest of Tehran city and the studied species is the forest pine (Pinus eldarica). The research method is descriptive, the required climatic information was obtained from Mehrabad meteorological station and sampling was done by disc cutting from 10 forest pine trees. After preparing the samples, the number and width of annual rings were counted and measured using binoculars and a measuring table. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used at a significance level of 5% to investigate the significant difference in growth width in four decades.
Results: The results show that there is no significant difference between average precipitation in four decades, while average temperature and average growth have significant differences (p < 0.05). The amount of growth based on the growth index has decreased during four decades, and this decrease is more significant and obvious in the fourth decade due to the increase of pollutants such as ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Conclusion: In general, the growth of forest pine trees has decreased during forty years with the increase of average annual temperature, which excessive decrease in the fourth decade is caused by pollutants such as ozone and nitrogen dioxide. It is suggested to do more research on sensitive species planted in urban areas to better understand the effect of pollutants on the growth and development of trees.
Mohammad Ghafoori, Mehrdad Cheraghi, Maryam Kiani Sadr, Bahareh Lorestani, Soheil Sobhanardakani,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Antibiotics are emerging pollutants that enter the human environment through pharmaceutical, hospital, and urban wastewater. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate of removal efficacy of tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solutions using GO@Fe3O4@β-CD.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, GO@Fe3O4@β-CD was synthesized and then used as an adsorbent for the removal of TC from aqueous solution. GO@Fe3O4@β-CD was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) methods. Also, the influence of variables including pH (3-9), amount of adsorbent (0.003-0.050 g), contact time (0-100 min), and temperature (25-55 °C) so assessed on the efficacy of TC removal.
Results: The results of TGA analysis showed that GO@Fe3O4@β-CD nanoparticles were resistant to temperatures up to 400 °C. Also, the results indicated that β-cyclodextrin was uniformly dispersed on the surface of GO@Fe3O4.
The results indicated that removal efficiency increased up to 60 min contact time, 0.01 g of adsorbent, and decrease temperature to 25 °C. The optimum pH for TC removal was 7.0. Also, under these conditions, the adsorption process followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm with a correlation coefficient of 0.992 and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with a correlation coefficient of 0.997, 0.999, and 0.998. The maximum adsorption capacity of the prepared adsorbent was 357 mg/g.
Conclusion: The GO@Fe3O4@β-CD could be an effective and efficient adsorbent for the removal of TC from industrial wastewater.
Ehsan Rafeemanesh, Habibollah Esmaily, Farzaneh Rahimpour, Mohammad Javad Fahoul, Habib Herati, Hasan Jahed Taherani,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Employees of wastewater treatment plants are exposed to various harmful factors in the work environment that can threaten their health. In this research, the health status of the employees of Mashhad sewage treatment plants has been evaluated to help by implementing intervention programs to improve the health of employees.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, (bioaerosols, UV rays, heat stress, and hydrogen disulfide gas) were measured in 5 treatment plants in Mashhad. All study variables, including health status, clinical tests, and job stress, were analyzed analytically in two operational and administrative employee groups. The standard HSE occupational stress questionnaire was used to investigate the state of occupational stress. All data were transferred to the computer and data analysis was done with the help of software SPSS20.
Results: The amount of pollutants except H2S gas was lower than the national occupational exposure limit. The number of smokers, diabetics, knee pain, and hearing loss was higher among operational than administrative employees, and hypertension, increased cholesterol, back pain, and skin disease were also more common in office workers than operational workers, but there were no statistically significant differences. Obesity and overweight (p<0.009) and increased triglycerides (p<0.05) were more common in administrative than operational workers, which had statistically significant differences. The state of job stress in operational employees was statistically significant compared to administrative employees regarding role (p<0.018) and communication (p<0.002).
Conclusion: Appropriate occupational health interventions to reduce pollutants, implement ergonomic programs and improve nutrition and increase physical activity and stress management can play an effective role in improving the health of employees of these units.
Samaneh Dehghan, Mohammad Ali Zazouli, Abolfazl Hosseinnataj, Masoome Sheikhi, Ali Koohi,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays, recycling is one of the ways to save mankind from the mass of waste it produces, and waste separation from the source is the first and most important link in the field of urban waste recycling. Since the necessity and basis of recycling is people's participation in separation plans from the source, the present study was conducted to investigate the awareness, attitude, and performance of the people of Mazandaran province regarding the source separation of household waste in 2021.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study, and the tool used in it was a researcher-made questionnaire including three dimensions of knowledge, attitude, and performance, the link of which was provided online to qualified people. The qualitative content validity of this questionnaire was confirmed by 8 environmental health experts in the field of the research subject. The reliability of the tool was also estimated through the Retest Method. Furthermore, the values of Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the three dimensions of awareness, attitude, and performance were calculated. In the following, the samples were selected in virtual groups based on the available sampling method and through the distribution of the questionnaire link online. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean scores in the levels of variables, Pearson's correlation test was used to examine the relationship between the scores of awareness, attitude, and performance dimensions, and linear regression was used to examine the effect of independent variables. Finally, the data was analyzed in SPSS software (version 22).
Results: For the entire study population (305 people), the range and mean score of awareness were 0-6, and 5.03±1.18 respectively, the range and mean score of attitude were 17-85 and 61.01± 9.45, and the range and mean score of performance were 6-30 and 11.43±5.19, respectively. Also, there was a significant correlation between the mean scores of the dimensions of awareness and attitude (correlation coefficient=0.70), awareness and performance (correlation coefficient=0.68), and attitude and performance (correlation coefficient=0.63).
Conclusion: The results of this study, which was conducted to measure the knowledge, attitude, and performance of the people of Mazandaran province regarding the separation of household waste from the source and waste recycling, and with a survey of 305 households in this province, showed that although the most of people have a piece of proper knowledge and attitude related to the importance of separation and recycling of solid waste, they have not participated much in the plans of waste separation from the source. Therefore, in order to increase the level of people's performance, it is recommended to develop incentive programs in the field of source separation, including awarding prizes or applying discounts on waste charges, as well as providing suitable containers for waste separation to households for free by the municipality to encourage waste separation.
Sara Mirzaei, Mohammad Ahmadi, Nabi Shariatifar, Peiman Ariaii,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Today with progress and improvement of knowledge of human in the food industry field, plastic coatings owing to their unique properties, is extensively applied for a package of beverages and food like water and milk. Phthalate esters (PAEs) are applied to increase e sustainability, efficiency and flexibility of materials. Chronic exposure to stated compounds has a role in the occurrence of several types of human illnesses and cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate the presence and amount of phthalate esters in different types of milk supplied in Tehran city by using magnetized nanotube crane with magnetic iron oxide and through GC-MS device.
Materials and Methods: In this research, multi-walled magnetic carbon nanotubes were synthesized by applying iron oxide and then synthesized magnetic nanotubes were applied for absorption and extraction of PAEs from the matrix of milk samples. The number of samples is 60 and has been selected from Tehran, which has been repeated twice. After the preparation of sample, by using GC-MS, each PAEs concentration was assessed. SPSS software was used for data analysis (Kruskal-Wallis and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests).
Results: The outcomes of this study indicated the mean of total phthalates and DEHP in all samples was 5.26 (ranged from 2.94-8.39) and 0.97 (ranged from nd-2.05) µg/L, which were lower than the existing standards (DEHP standard in water is equal to 6 µg/L).
Conclusion: According to the current results and with regard to the lower concentration of each PAEs compared with the standard levels in different types of Iranian consumed milk, it can be concluded that there is no hazardous effect for consumers.
Nahid Jalilian, Abdullah Sheykhi, Leila Mirzaei, Zeinab Gholami, Moayed Adiban,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Butter is a known dairy product in the world and has an important role in human nutrition. Ignoring sanitary tips in this product leads to low quality of the product and outbreak. Therefore, this study aims to investigate bacterial pollution of local butter produced from cow and sheep milk in Ilam city.
Materials and Methods: In this analytical study, 150 samples of traditional cow and sheep butter were collected and studied for microbial contamination for 1 month from different production centers. SPSS version 23 software was used to analyze the collected data.
Results: From 75 samples of cow butter, 25.3% of the samples are polluted to S. aureus, 44% to S. epidermidis, 38.7% to Salmonella, 12% to Total coliform 10.7% to E. coli, and 12% do not have any pollution. From 75 samples of sheep local butter, 12% of the samples are polluted to S. aureus, 72% to S. epidermidis, 48% to Salmonella, 24% to Total coliform, and 17.3% to E. coli. A significant difference (P< 0.05) between pollution to S. aureus and S. epidermis in cow and sheep samples exists.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that contamination of consumed local butter in Ilam city is considerably high; Therefore, it is important to pay attention to food hygiene in different stages from production to consumption.
Fatemeh Momeniha, Mohammad Kouhkan, Hoda Safamanesh, Parviz Yarahmadzahi, Mohammad Osman Khodayari, Ali Mohammadi, Amir Hossein Mahvi,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Due to the importance of managing medical sharps waste and the potential harm caused by these types of waste, the use of safe technologies that simultaneously encapsulate and reduce their volume is considered one of the essential needs for managing medical waste in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The main objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency of disinfecting and encapsulating device for medical sharps waste.
Materials and Methods: This device provides the process of containment and encapsulation of medical sharps waste by creating a stable protective foam without oxidation through inductive heat in a closed environment, preventing the dispersion and release of these wastes. Gas samples from the device's output were collected using the NIOSH 1501 method and analyzed using GC-MS. The performance efficiency of the device was evaluated based on the biological monitoring of the indicator bacterium Bacillus stearothermophilus.
Results: The results showed that the average concentration of BTEX gases (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) and other volatile organic compounds in the device's output was within the permissible limit. The concentrations of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene gases were 0.04, 0.033, 0.029, and 0.029 ppm, respectively. The results of biological monitoring showed that the reduction of the microbial load was 9999.99 (Log 6) and the decontamination process was acceptable.
Additionally, this device has the advantage of reducing the volume of sharp and plastic objects during the encapsulation process, which can be further used in plastic pyrolysis/recycling industries.
Conclusion: It is hoped that by using this innovative and domestic device in the decontamination units of hospitals across the country, we can take an effective step towards improving medical waste management, reducing waste production, reducing hospital costs, and preserving and enhancing the country's health.
Sepideh Sadeghi, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Amir Hossein Nafez, Sahar Gholipour, Mahnaz Nikaeen,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in compost of solid waste can threat public health. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the safety of produced composts before its land application as a soil conditioner. This study was conducted to investigate the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in municipal solid waste (MSW) compost and health risks associated with accidental ingestion of compost by children.
Materials and Methods: In this study, sampling was done from compost piles at different public parks of Isfahan city during the period of compost spreading. Presence and concentration of pathogenic microorganisms including salmonella, campylobacter, cryptosporidium and adenovirus were investigated by culture or real-time PCR methods.
Results: All pathogenic microorganisms were detected in MSW compost in a frequency from 11%-62% with the highest frequency for detection of adenovirus. The health risk assessment showed that the highest risk of daily infection was for Cryptosporidium (7.67 × 10-4 pppy) and the lowest risk was related to adenovirus (8.27 × 10-10 pppy). The annual infection risk from gastrointestinal disease was calculated above guideline infection risk (10-3 pppy).
Conclusion: The results showed contamination of produced compost to pathogenic microorganisms and potential health risks from applying MSW compost in urban green spaces. Therefore, the relevant organizations should pay more attention to the composting process and its microbial quality and application in public access areas.
Mohammad Hossein Fekri, Samaneh Soleymani, Maryam Razavi Mehr, Fatemeh Saki,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Due to the presence of industrial pollutants in water sources, it is necessary to treat wastewater, especially colored wastewater. This study aims to treat wastewater containing methyl orange dye using nano mesopore SBA-16.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the effect of different parameters (pH, concentration of methyl orange, amount of adsorbent, temperature, and contact time) on the absorption of methyl orange by nanocomposite prepared with the help of Design of Experiment 7 software and Response Surface Method (RSM) was investigated.
Results: The maximum amount of pollutant removal by the adsorbent was obtained under optimal conditions of pH = 4.07, temperature 50 °C, contact time 35 minutes, initial concentration of adsorbent 10 mg/L, and amount of adsorbent 0.04 g. Also, the findings showed that the absorption behavior is most consistent with the Langmuir isotherm and the absorption process is exothermic and spontaneous at low temperatures.
Conclusion: In optimal conditions, the SBA-16 adsorbent was able to remove 98.60 % of methyl orange from the aqueous solution and the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) for the removal of methyl orange pollutant was 37.73 mg/g. Considering the high potential of nano mesopore SBA-16 in removing methyl orange pigment, it can be considered a suitable candidate for removing colored pollutants and treating wastewater from textile factories.
Sanaz Ghaffari, Alireza Riyahi Bakhtiari, Seyed Mahmoud Ghasempouri, Ali Nasrolahi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Today, cigarette butts have become one of the most significant forms of waste. This study aims to assess the level of cigarette butts pollution along the Guilan coasts and explore the factors influencing their distribution. Additionally, this study discusses experiences and management options related to this issue.
Materials and Methods: In this study, we implemented a standard sampling method adapted from the "NOAA Marine Debris Program" to collect samples from eight beaches. Each station yielded 18 square quadrant measuring 1 × 1 m2. We estimated the severity of cigarette butt pollution along the Iranian coastline and conducted a review of published articles on the harmful effects of cigarette butts.
Results: The density of cigarette butts ranged from 0.22 to 2.11 items/m2. Bojagh National Park showed the lowest contamination of cigarette butts, while Bandar Anzali exhibited the highest. The results indicate an increase in cigarette butt pollution on beaches in densely populated cities compared to less developed coastal areas. Moreover, stations corresponding to tourist beaches and coasts with gentle slopes have a higher potential for cigarette butt accumulation. The level of cigarette butts pollution along the coasts of Bandar Anzali may be attributed to the extensive tourism activities on these beaches.
Conclusion: Given the high level of cigarette butt pollution on crowded coasts, it is imperative to identify beaches with a higher potential for waste accumulation and implement plans for coastal waste cleanup. Furthermore, effective management programs should be developed to promote cultural awareness and reduce cigarette butt contamination.
Qasim Jalal Smian, Soheil Sobhanardakani, Atefeh Chamani,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays, individuals spend a lot of time indoors; thus they are exposed to hazardous compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with teratogen, mutagen, and carcinogen potential. Therefore, this study was conducted to detect, and determine the content and source apportionment of PAHs in office building dust samples of Isfahan metropolis in 2023.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 84 indoor dust samples were collected from 28 sampling sites. After extraction of analytes, the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method was used to determine PAHs content in the samples. Molecular diagnostic ratios (MDRs) were used to determine the origin of PAH compounds. Furthermore, all statistical analyses were performed by SPSS software.
Results: The results showed that 16 priority PAHs were detected in the office building dust samples with the minimum, maximum, and mean values (µg/kg) of 4575, 16589, and 9838. Moreover, based on the results obtained, the mean contents of NAPH, FLU, PHE, FULA, PYR, BaA, CHR, BbF, BkF, BaP, DahA, BghiP, and IcdP species were higher than the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) established by Iran DOE. The results of the MDRs method indicated that although PAHs originated from both pyrogenic and petrogenic sources, the pyrogenic sources had the main role in the pollution of office building dusts with PAHs.
Conclusion: Due to risks arising from exposure to PAHs, detection, determination of contents, source identification, and especially health risk assessment of PAHs in indoor dust of other closed places such as commercial, educational, and recreational buildings as well as households is recommended.
Alireza Zarasvandi, Maryam Delphi, Nadia Azizi, Fatima Rastmanesh, Gazelle Zarasvandi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: During the last few decades, heavy metal pollution in indoor dust has been widely studied; While, the quality of the environment inside the cars has not been considered enough. Therefore, the specific objectives of this study generally include investigating the levels of selected heavy metals in the dust of private cars collected from Ahvaz city, as well as evaluating the health risk of carcinogenesis and exposure to the dust inside these cars through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption.
Materials and Methods: 10 cars were selected for this study. The condition of choosing the cars was not to wash the car for a week. Then, samples were collected and coded from the dust of the air conditioner filter and the cabin of each car. To determine the composition of heavy metals, spectroscopic analysis (ICP) was performed on the samples.
Results: The study of non-carcinogenic risk index (HI) in the present study indicates that the values of more than 1 and the health risk is high. The sequence of HI index values for heavy metals was obtained as Pb>Cu>Cr> Fe> Zn> Cd> Ni. Evaluated risks from different pathways in children was HQing < HQinhder while in adults follows HQingder< HQinh process. Additionally, the values of enrichment factor of the studied samples showed the maximum and minimum values for Cu (4.3) and Ni (8.3), the maximum and minimum geoaccumulation index for Fe (12.75) and Ni (1.9) and the amount of integrated pollution and pollution index were estimated to be 1.34+E27 and 2.07+E9, respectively, indicating the average range for the studied heavy metals.
Conclusion: According to this study, the risk of non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metals (except Fe and Cu) for children is estimated to be higher than that of adults. Furthermore, the investigation of the CR index for the three carcinogenic heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, and arsenic) has exceeded the safe level, which indicates ingestion and inhale as the target pathways for the worst adverse effects of heavy metals in children andadults, respectively. In the present study, the amount of heavy metals studied is more than the set standards. The results of the current study showedthe more enrichment of heavy metals in the car filter as compared with the cabin.
Ebrahim Rahimi, Mohammad Amin Heidarzadi, Najmeh Vahad Dehkordi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi, which can have very dangerous consequences for human health in addition to spoiling food and changing organoleptic properties. Aflatoxin entering the body and targeting the liver as the main organ involved can cause liver and blood cancer. Hence, the aim of the present study is to measure aflatoxin B1 in corn flour and wheat flour supplied in Shahrekord using ELISA method in 2022.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 samples of flour, including 20 samples of corn flour and 20 samples of wheat flour, were randomly sampled from the supply centers and sent to the food hygiene laboratory to track and determine the amount of aflatoxin B1.
Results: The results showed that all samples of wheat flour and corn flour contained aflatoxin 1B. The average of aflatoxin B1 in wheat flour and corn flour was calculated as 2.58 ± 0.95 and 3.47 ± 2.07 (µg/kg) of the sample, respectively; Among the 20 examined samples of corn flour, the concentration of aflatoxin B1 ranged from 3.4 (µg/kg) to 1.9 (µg/kg) and in 20 samples of wheat flour (µg/kg) from 7.90 to (µg/kg) was 1.4; Therefore, the concentration of none of the samples was higher than the Iranian standard.
Conclusion: The occurrence of aflatoxin B1 in all the samples examined in the current study is lower than the risk range determined by the Iranian standard, so in this case, its aasociated high risk does not threaten the health of consumers.
Mahboub Saffari,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays, the use of biochar as a new and suitable adsorbent to remove inorganic pollutants from water sources has grown significantly. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biochar physical modifications compared to unmodified biochar on nickel (Ni) removal efficiency in aqueous solutions.
Materials and Methods: After the production of cypress cones biochar (RB), biochar particles (<164 µm) were crushed into very small (<26 µm) dimensions (BMB) using a planetary ball mill and after evaluation their various properties by SLS, BET, FTIR and SEM techniques, their application (RB and BMB) in optimizing the Ni removal from aqueous solutions were evaluated using the response surface methodology (RSM: Box-Behnken design).
Results: Based on the results, the physical modification of biochar (BMB) decreased the particle size by 6.2 times, increased the specific surface area by 4.9 times, increased (containing oxygen) and decreased (aliphatic and OH stretching groups) of specific functional groups and finer surface morphology, compared to RB. The use of BMB in the aqueous solution caused an increase of 9.7% (on average) in the removal of Ni compared to the RB sample. The fitting of the data obtained from Ni removal in the Box-Benken model in both adsorbents shows the appropriate prediction of this model in the optimization of Ni removal from aqueous solutions.
Conclusion: According to the results of this research, the physical modification of biochar, as a simple, cheap, and environmentally friendly method, due to the increase in the efficiency of Ni pollutant removal, can be introduced as a suitable method in the activation of biochar, which further research is required based on the type of biochar and various pollutants.
Zabihollah Yousefi, Adel Naderi, Seyed Noureddin Mousavi Nasab, Samaneh Dehghan,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The high risk of Sars-CoV-2 infection in dental centers is a serious problem for doctors and patients. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the environmental health measures related to corona disease in the dental offices of Sari city during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2021.
Materials and Methods: The present study is descriptive and cross-sectional, and the tool used in it is a researcher-made questionnaire collected with the cooperation of the personnel working in 100 active dental service centers in Sari. to determine content validity, two qualitative and quantitative -qualitative methods were used. The qualitative content validity of this questionnaire was confirmed by 8 environmental health experts. Cronbach's alpha was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS software V. 25.
Results: Based on the results of this study, personal protective equipment was used continuously in 100% of the centers. In 93% of the centers, sodium hypochlorite and formaldehyde were used to disinfect the equipment, and in 94% of the cases, the frequency of disinfection of the equipment was after each patient. Disinfection of toilets was done daily in 62% of the centers and every two days in the rest. In 72% of the examined dental centers, had no local hood installed or turned on above the units, but in 92% of the offices, there was proper ventilation of public spaces. In addition, according to the results, in 99% of clinics, waste management was carried out in accordance with national laws and regulations and based on the rules and methods of the executive management of medical waste and related waste and related instructions, and also in 100% of clinics, water consumption was healthy and desirable.
Conclusion: Overall, environmental health measures in dental offices were at an optimal level in most cases and in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Health. Not installing a hood or not turning it on above the units and improper ventilation of the dentist's office were the most critical problems of the centers, which need to be given more attention and corrective measures should be taken according to the instructions of the Ministry of Health.
Maryam Tahmasebpoor, Leila Sanaei, Masoomeh Chaharkam,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Zeolites are among the widely used adsorbents for the removal of arsenic-toxic pollutants. The objective of this study is to prepare granulated zeolite adsorbents using chitosan (CS/Fe-Clin) and alginate (Alg/Fe-Clin) and compare them in terms of physical appearance and arsenic adsorption efficiency.
Materials and Methods: Granular adsorbents were prepared via the ionotropic gelation method. The effects of the type and concentration of the cross-linking solution and the initial ratio of materials in granules formation, as well as the effect of initial arsenic concentration, and the amount of adsorbent used on the adsorption efficiency, were investigated. SEM, XRD, FTIR, and AAS analyses were used to confirm the results. Equilibrium data were matched with Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms.
Results: A weight percentage of 2 % iron chloride (III) and an initial ratio of 1:4 of alginate: nanocomposite for Alg/Fe-Clin and a weight percentage of 2 % (1 % sodium hydroxide + 1 % sodium tripolyphosphate) and an initial ratio of 1:3 of chitosan: nanocomposite for CS/Fe-Clin were chosen as the optimal values. Maximum adsorption efficiency of Alg/Fe-Clin and CS/Fe-Clin adsorbents was determined 88.1 and 92.9 % at dosages of 0.6 and 1 g/L and at initial concentrations of 200 and 300 µg/L, respectively. The qmax values for Alg/Fe-Clin and CS/Fe-Clin adsorbents were 11.11 and 10 mg/g, respectively. Results better fitted with Freundlich isotherm.
Conclusion: Due to the proper adsorption capacity, both synthesized adsorbents showed the ability to effectively remove arsenic; whoever, alginate binder was more efficient.
Fateme Rezaee, Meisam Rastegari Mehr, Ata Shakeri,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Water resources deficiency has caused the use of effluents to be considered as a source for re-use in the form of haloculture projects. An attempt has been made to investigate the possibility of using effluent produced by sugarcane production companies in the implementation of haloculture projects, from the viewpoint of the most used pesticides.
Materials and Methods: Ten water, four sediment, two plant, and two fish samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the concentration of pesticides. In order to assess the ecological risk, toxic unit (TU) and risk quotient (RQ) were calculated.
Results: Glyphosate and Ametryn in all liquid, solid, and biological samples had concentrations below the detection limit. 2.4.D, Metribuzin, and Atrazine had detectable concentrations in the samples. However, their concentrations are lower than the standard values. Metribuzin and Atrazine had high concentrations in the stems and leaves of reeds in the region, which may indicate the role of these plants in the remediation of water and sediment from these compounds.
Conclusion: Using effluent from Amirkabir and Mirzakouchak Khan agro-industrial complexes to implement the haloculture project does not pose a particular problem from the viewpoint of contamination with the studied pesticides. This is confirmed due to the small concentrations of the studied compounds in the liver and below the detection limit in the muscles. However, it is necessary to carry out more studies to evaluate the quality of effluent in terms of the other types of pollution.
Ahmad Mehri, Mohammad Rezvani Ghalhari, Ashraf Mazaheri-Tehrani, Parnia Bashardoust, Majid Mohammadi, Rouhullah Dehghani,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Smoking is one of the biggest public health problems in the world, which can increase the overall burden of disease in the world. Since understanding the factors related to smoking among medical students is considered an important and necessary factor for formulating and explaining educational intervention programs, therefore, this study was conducted determine the prevalence of smoking among students of Kashan University of Medical Sciences and the factors related to it.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 681 students of Kashan University of Medical Sciences in the first semester of 2018 by simple random sampling. Smoking in individuals, family, close friends, and other demographic characteristics was measured using a questionnaire with good reliability and multiple logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.
Results: The average age of the participants in this study (313 male and 368 female students) was 25 ±4.2 years old. The prevalence of smoking among students was 9.4% (16.7% in boys and 3.35% in girls). Also, smoking had a significant relationship with the desire to smoke, living in a dormitory, having close friends who smoke, and family members with a history of smoking (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The academic drop of students who smoke is significantly higher than other students. Since this study has shown the factors related to smoking in students, the use of these findings can be a basis for the prevention of smoking and the development of preventive interventions.
Fatemeh Kakouei Dinaki, Mehrdad Cheraghi, Bahareh Lorestani, Soheil Sobhanardakani, Atefeh Chamani,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Monitoring and remediation of metal contaminants in aquatic ecosystems is of particular importance to estimate, control, and reduce the level of threats to alive creatures and humans. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate metal contamination of surface sediments and the ability to monitor and bioremediation of iron, lead, and copper by aerial and underground tissues of Typha Latifolia and Nasturtium microphyllum located along the aquatic ecosystem of the Lar River, Tehran, Iran in 2021.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, after selecting four sampling sites, 48 plant samples and 12 sediment samples were collected. After preparation and acid digestion of the samples in the laboratory, the contents of the elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Also, pollution index (PI), pollution load index (PLI), bioconcentration coefficient (BCF), bioaccumulation (BAF), and translocation factor (TF) were calculated. Statistical analyses of the results were performed using SPSS statistical software.
Results: The highest values of Fe, Pb, and Cu (mg/kg) in sediment samples were 11.8 ± 0.665, 0.915 ± 0.030, and 0.710 ± 0.026, respectively, and belonged to station 4; and in plant tissues 11.4 ± 1.25, 0.578 ± 0.180, and 0.298 ± 0.095, respectively, and were belonged to the roots of T. Latifolia. The PI values showed that the pollution of Fe, Pb, and Cu was "low" and the average PI values for the elements followed the descending order of Pb > Cu > Fe. The average values of PLI also vary from 0.003 to 0.006, indicating the quality conditions of "no pollution" in all the studied stations. On the other hand, T. Latifolia had a BCF > 1 and TF < 1 for Fe.
Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that T. Latifolia is a suitable species for stabilizing Fe in sediments and could be used to monitor and remediate potentially toxic elements from polluted aquatic ecosystems.
